DATA LABEL: PUBLIC Broxburn, Uphall & Winchburgh , LOCAL AREA COMMITTEE REPORT BY PC Peter Robertson / Russell Rosie A. PURPOSE OF REPORT The purpose of this report is to provide the Local Area Committee with an update on performance, activities and issues across the Ward for the period up to 30th November 2018. B. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the Local Area Committee notes the content of the report. C. SUMMARY OF IMPLICATIONS I Council Values Focusing on our customers' needs; being honest, open and accountable; making best use of our resources; and working in partnership II Policy and Legal (including Strategic None. Environmental Assessment, Equality Issues, Health or Risk Assessment) III Implications for Scheme of Delegations to None. Officers IV Impact on performance and performance Performance relative to the 5 Indicators Year Average; set out in the report. V Relevance to Single Outcome Agreement We live our lives free from crime, disorder and danger; we take pride in a strong, fair and inclusive society VI Resources - (Financial, Staffing and None. Property) VII Consideration at PDSP None. VIII Other consultations None. D. TERMS OF REPORT WARD 2 – Broxburn, Uphall, Winchburgh, Dechmont and Ecclesmachan NATIONAL PRIORITIES – DELIVERED LOCALLY Based on our assessment of national priorities, the following have been identified for action for the communities of West Lothian: Violence Public protection Terrorism Serious and organised crime groups Antisocial behaviour Drug and alcohol misuse WEST LOTHIAN PRIORITIES The community priorities identified for West Lothian through our Community Planning Partnership are: Reducing community and social harm caused by drug and alcohol misuse Protecting vulnerable groups Reducing antisocial behaviour within our communities Reducing casualty rates from fires and road traffic collisions COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PRIORTIES Broxburn, Uphall and Winchburgh Violence, Disorder and Antisocial Behaviour Substance Misuse Acquisitive Crime Road Safety WARD 2 – Broxburn, Uphall, Winchburgh, Dechmont and Ecclesmachan 1/ PERFORMANCE There is currently no partnership analyst in the Community Safety Unit and therefore there is no access to the previously provided statistics. Police Scotland official West Lothian statistics can be found at page 90 onwards. http://www.scotland.police.uk/assets/pdf/138327/232757/445136/Management-info-Council- Area-Report-Q1-2018-19 2 Local Priorities Violence, Disorder and Anti-Social Behaviour Police continue with intelligence led violence reduction patrols and areas of concern. Targeting peak times and locations that have frequent reports of violence and disorder. Problematic areas have also been identified and Hi-Visibility patrols have been and will continue to be conducted to address these issues. Police continue to deal with ongoing neighbour disputes carrying out early intervention work and prevention activities. They continue to work closely with housing organisations and the council safer neighbourhood team to address incidents of anti-social behaviour within the community. To note, neighbour disputes account for a large percentage of anti-social behaviour calls to the police. Members of the public are always encouraged to report crimes and incidents of anti-social behaviour to the police to allow us to respond appropriately and gather information and intelligence. In September following reports of threats of violence between rival parties Police took robust action. Warrants were craved and several houses in the area searched and weapons being recovered. This resulted in several persons being arrested and charged for various offences. We are continuing to monitor this situation and involved in regular interventions. Road Safety Road traffic officers, with the assistance of intelligence, regularly target unlicensed and uninsured drivers. Officers will continue to target offenders in the area and take robust action when stopped. The weather in Scotland is notoriously unpredictable at the best of times and none more so than winter. We aim to provide you with all of the information you need to be fully prepared for a typically cold, icy and wet season. Whether you are a cyclist, driver or pedestrian, the information below should give you an understanding and awareness of what you should be doing to ensure that you are ready for winter. Being prepared for winter can be as easy as a few simple steps before planning a journey on the road: Check the weather forecast and road conditions WARD 2 – Broxburn, Uphall, Winchburgh, Dechmont and Ecclesmachan If the weather is poor or the road surface is dangerous, consider whether you need to travel right now or if you can wait until the situation improves Consider alternate routes Consider alternative modes of transport Allow extra time for your journey Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged Let people know where you are going and when you expect to arrive Advice for Drivers Prepare for the winter by keeping your vehicle well maintained and stocked with essential supplies before you take to the road. Take special care that brakes, tyres, lights, batteries, windscreens and wiper blades are in good condition and well maintained. In addition, washer bottles need to contain an additive to stop the water from freezing. Make sure your windows are clean, properly demisted and clear of snow and ice before you drive. Also make sure that your roof is clear of snow as this affects drivers behind you and can also cause obstructions on your windscreen when braking. Be careful with low sun as it can make it difficult to see and a dirty, greasy or damaged windscreen can make this worse. All lights must be kept clean and clear and be in good working order, including registration plate lights. Use the help of someone to check that all of your lights are working. Consider keeping an emergency kit in your car for severe weather, this should at least include: An ice scraper and de-icer A shovel for snow A torch and spare batteries Warm clothes, boots and a blanket Some food and a warm drink in a flask A first aid kit Battery jump leads A map or device with offline maps for any unplanned diversions. Acquisitive Crime The Ward area has seen recent crimes of Theft House Breaking. Police would like to remind the local community as the nights get darker to review their home security. Use timer switches on lights and radios to make it look as if your home is occupied. Ensure all doors and windows are secure when you leave and when you go to bed. If possible use security lighting at front and back of your property . Make sure all garden tools and ladders are locked away WARD 2 – Broxburn, Uphall, Winchburgh, Dechmont and Ecclesmachan . Use good quality locks on any Sheds or outhouses . Make a note of all makes, models and serial numbers of your property Further advice can be obtained from Scotland.police.uk Substance Misuse Police continue to carry out a number of intelligence led drug searches of properties and positive stops. The Police rely on information from the public to tackle this crime. Any members of the community with information regarding drugs can contact CRIMESTOPPERS anonymously on 0800555111 Broxburn In October a male has gained entry into a house, assaulted an elderly person within and stolen property. The male was quickly traced, arrested and reported for Robbery. In September following reports of threats of violence between rival parties Police took robust action. Warrants were craved and several houses in the area searched and weapons being recovered. This resulted in several persons being arrested and charged for various offences. Police Community Investigation Unit continue to work closely with Response and Community Beat Officers in terms of gathering intelligence from members of the public. Doing so resulted in a Misuse of Drugs Act Warrant being craved and executed whereby a female subject was arrested, cautioned and charged for being concerned in the supply of drugs. There continues to be reports of Vehicles being entered in the area and items stolen. The community are reminded not to leave items on open display within their vehicle and to lock it up whilst parked. The Police continue to investigate these crimes. Joint visits have been carried out to identify Problem premises with Council SNT officers. Uphall In September following intelligence reports of an address in the area actively selling drugs a warrant was executed at the property. This resulted in a quantity of drugs and money being seized. Police stopped a vehicle in Station Road’ Uphall. The Vehicle was searched and a quantity of drugs found. The driver was charged with being concerned in the supply of drugs. Police continue through patrols stop vehicles in the area which has resulted in Disqualified drivers being arrested, ASBO’s being issued and persons being charged with drink driving. WARD 2 – Broxburn, Uphall, Winchburgh, Dechmont and Ecclesmachan Winchburgh Serious Assault taken place within a licensed premises resulting in one male requiring surgery due to his injuries. CID progressed enquiry whereby 1 male was reported. A recent Misuse of Drugs Warrant was craved and granted to a domestic dwelling resulting in a Cannabis Cultivation being located. Community and Criminal Investigation Unit carried out a joint operation to which 1 male was charged with drug offences and reported. During the reporting period there has been a rise in Thefts including Theft of Motor Car, Theft from Sheds and Theft from Motor Vehicles. Enquiries remain ongoing from uniform officers to establish any potential suspects. Members of the public are encouraged by police to phone in if they view or witness any suspicious activity. Report of Serious Assault within public park area resulting in one male sustaining injuries. CID carried out extensive enquiry which is ongoing. Ecclesmachan Report of Attempted Housebreaking as unknown suspect smashed front door making efforts to gain access prior to occupier scaring the suspect off. Enquiries remain ongoing with the Criminal Investigation Unit to identify suspect and possible forensic opportunities.